Peter Callanan (Fianna Fail)

The nitrates directive has been in place since 1991. The purpose of the directive is to protect the water supply against pollution by agriculture. Sooner or later Ireland was obliged to implement the directive and comply with its provisions, and the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has done so. The regulations to give legal effect to Ireland's nitrates action programme were signed by the Minister last December and came into effect on 1 February 2006. The provisions of the regulations will be phased in over three years.

I am pleased to note the constructive decision by the Minister, in consultation with the Minister for Agriculture and Food, Deputy Coughlan, to defer Part 3 of the regulations, namely, the nutrient management section, to give Teagasc an opportunity to review the advice previously given on fertiliser limits. Both Ministers will consider the revised Teagasc material shortly and then make contact with the Commission with a view to seeking agreed changes.

Fine Gael has made comments which have caused confusion. It is not right for Fine Gael to attempt to disrupt and destroy a fine industry such as we have.